图画

• Pinyin: tú huà
• Hanzi breakdown: 图 = 囗 (enclosure) + simplified interior; 画 = simplified from 畫, depicting a hand holding a brush drawing lines

Meaning

Drawing; painting; picture. Refers to artwork created by drawing or painting.

A general term for visual artwork, typically referring to hand-drawn or painted images rather than photographs. Often used in educational contexts when discussing children's artwork or art classes. Common compound: 图画书 (picture book).

Examples

1. 墙上挂着一幅很美的图画。 A beautiful painting hangs on the wall.
2. 孩子们正在教室里画图画。 The children are drawing pictures in the classroom.
3. 这本图画书很受小朋友欢迎。 This picture book is very popular with kids.

Usage Guide

Context: art, education, everyday

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 她画的图画非常漂亮。(The pictures she draws are very beautiful.)
• 我小时候喜欢看图画书。(When I was little, I liked reading picture books.)

Don't Say

• 这张图画拍得真好。(Don't use 图画 for photographs — use 照片. 图画 refers to drawn or painted artwork.)

Origin & History

图 means 'picture' and 画 means 'to draw' or 'drawing'. Together they refer to drawn or painted artwork.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal